Encountering Grace: Transformative Moments with Jesus
Summary
Sometimes, the storms and fires we face in life are not accidents or oversights, but rather moments that God has intentionally allowed so that His glory might be revealed. Just as Jesus intended to pass by the disciples on the stormy sea, or as God allowed Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to enter the fiery furnace, there are times when God’s plan is to let us walk through difficulty so that we can encounter Him in a new and deeper way. God is never caught off guard; He always has a plan, even when the enemy seems to be at work. From the very beginning, God declared that every scheme of the enemy would be met with His own redemptive plan.
Grace is at the heart of God’s dealings with us. It is free, but it is not cheap. When Jesus encountered the blind man outside Jericho, He did not simply react to the man’s cries—He acted with purpose. The blind man’s healing was not just about restoring sight, but about inviting him into a new life, one that would cost him his old way of living. Similarly, Zacchaeus, the despised tax collector, went to great lengths to see Jesus, disregarding his own dignity and honor. Jesus, in turn, honored Zacchaeus by choosing to stay at his house, an act that scandalized the religious crowd but transformed Zacchaeus’ life forever.
These stories remind us that Jesus is always coming into our situations, often in ways we do not expect. He is not bound by our customs, our expectations, or our sense of timing. Whether it’s the blind man, Zacchaeus, or even Lazarus in the tomb, when Jesus shows up, everything changes. He brings grace, honor, and transformation to those who are willing to pursue Him, even at great personal cost. Our response, like those in the stories, should be to glorify God publicly, recognizing that every blessing and every act of mercy is an opportunity to praise Him.
No matter what you are facing, do not lose hope. Jesus is coming into your situation. His intention is to reveal His glory, to bring grace to your house, and to change everything. Let us pursue Him, receive His grace, and respond with lives of praise and generosity, knowing that when Jesus comes, nothing stays the same.
Key Takeaways
- God’s Intentionality in Our Trials
God does not simply react to the circumstances of our lives; He acts with intention and purpose. The storms, fires, and challenges we face are often allowed so that we might see His glory and experience His presence in ways we never could otherwise. Even when the enemy has a plan, God’s plan is always greater and redemptive, turning what was meant for harm into a testimony of His faithfulness. [03:59]
- Grace Is Free, But Never Cheap
The grace that comes through Jesus is freely given, but it always costs us something. Like the blind man whose healing meant leaving behind his old way of life, receiving God’s grace often requires us to step into the unknown, surrendering our comfort and security. True grace transforms us, calling us to a new identity and a new way of living that reflects the costliness of Christ’s sacrifice. [19:58]
- The Power of Pursuit and Persistence
Breakthrough often comes to those who refuse to be silenced or deterred by the crowd. The blind man cried out all the more when told to be quiet, and Zacchaeus ran and climbed a tree, disregarding his own dignity. God honors those who pursue Him with desperation and persistence, meeting them in their need and transforming their lives in ways that defy social expectations. [11:28]
- Jesus Flips the Narrative of Honor and Shame
Jesus is not bound by human systems of honor, shame, or religious hierarchy. He brings dignity to the outcast and challenges the self-righteousness of the crowd. By choosing to stay at Zacchaeus’ house, Jesus bestowed honor where there was only shame, demonstrating that His grace is for the least likely and that true honor comes from His presence, not from human approval. [33:47]
- When Jesus Comes, Everything Changes
Every story—whether it’s the blind man, Zacchaeus, or Lazarus—points to the reality that when Jesus enters a situation, nothing remains the same. He brings life to the dead, sight to the blind, and grace to the outcast. Our response should be to glorify Him, not just privately but publicly, recognizing that His coming is the turning point for every circumstance we face. [38:57]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - God’s Intention in Our Trials
[03:59] - God’s Plan vs. the Enemy’s Plan
[07:30] - The Blind Man Hears Jesus Is Near
[11:28] - The Crowd Tries to Silence the Beggar
[13:40] - Religious Culture and Begging
[16:11] - Jesus Flips the Narrative
[17:55] - The Cost of Grace
[19:58] - The Blind Man’s New Life
[23:48] - Jesus Passes Through Jericho
[26:18] - Zacchaeus’ Desperate Pursuit
[31:22] - Hidden in the Sycamore Tree
[33:47] - Jesus Honors Zacchaeus
[35:40] - Zacchaeus’ Response to Grace
[38:57] - When Jesus Comes, Everything Changes
[41:25] - The Power of Jesus’ Presence
[49:01] - The Blessing of Praise
[52:03] - Grace Is Coming to Your House
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
---
### Bible Reading
Luke 18:35–43 (ESV)
> As he drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. And hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what this meant. They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” And he cried out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” And Jesus stopped and commanded him to be brought to him. And when he came near, he asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, let me recover my sight.” And Jesus said to him, “Recover your sight; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.
Luke 19:1–10 (ESV)
> He entered Jericho and was passing through. And there was a man named Zacchaeus. He was a chief tax collector and was rich. And he was seeking to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was small in stature. So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was about to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today.” So he hurried and came down and received him joyfully. And when they saw it, they all grumbled, “He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.” And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.” And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
John 11:17–27 (ESV)
> Now when Jesus came, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles off, and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them concerning their brother. So when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, but Mary remained seated in the house. Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you.” Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” She said to him, “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.”
---
### Observation Questions
1. In the story of the blind man outside Jericho, what did the crowd do when he cried out to Jesus, and how did he respond to them? ([11:28])
2. What actions did Zacchaeus take to see Jesus, and why were these actions considered undignified or dishonorable in his culture? ([26:18])
3. According to the sermon, what was the significance of Jesus choosing to stay at Zacchaeus’ house instead of with the city officials? ([33:47])
4. In the story of Lazarus, why did Jesus wait before coming, and what did this show about his intentions? ([38:57])
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus sometimes allows us to go through storms or difficult situations instead of immediately rescuing us? What does this reveal about God’s character and intentions? ([03:59])
2. The sermon says, “Grace is free, but it’s not cheap.” What does it mean for grace to cost us something, as seen in the story of the blind man? ([19:58])
3. How does Jesus’ response to Zacchaeus challenge the way people in the crowd viewed honor, shame, and who is worthy of God’s attention? ([33:47])
4. When Jesus comes into a situation—like with the blind man, Zacchaeus, or Lazarus—what are the common results or changes that take place? ([38:57])
---
### Application Questions
1. Think about a time when you felt like you were in a storm or a “fire.” Did you see God’s purpose in it, or did it just feel random? How might your perspective change if you believed God was being intentional, not just reactive, in your situation? ([03:59])
2. The blind man’s healing meant he had to leave behind his old way of life and step into the unknown. Is there something in your life that you sense God is asking you to leave behind in order to receive his grace more fully? What is holding you back? ([19:58])
3. Zacchaeus was willing to risk his dignity and reputation just to see Jesus. Are there ways you hold back from pursuing Jesus because of what others might think? What would it look like for you to pursue Jesus with that kind of desperation and persistence? ([26:18])
4. Jesus honored Zacchaeus, someone everyone else despised. Is there someone in your life or community who is overlooked or shamed? How could you show them honor or grace this week, following Jesus’ example? ([33:47])
5. Both the blind man and Zacchaeus responded to Jesus’ grace with public praise and generosity. How do you respond when God blesses you? Is your response more private or public? What might it look like to glorify God more openly in your daily life? ([21:58])
6. The sermon said, “When Jesus comes, everything changes.” Is there an area of your life where you need Jesus to “come in” and bring change? What would it look like to invite him into that situation? ([38:57])
7. The crowd tried to silence the blind man, but he cried out even louder. Are there “crowds” (voices, pressures, doubts) in your life trying to keep you from reaching out to Jesus? How can you push past them this week? ([11:28])
---
Devotional
Day 1: God Always Has a Plan, Even in Our Trials
No matter what we face, God is never caught off guard or scrambling for a solution; He is always acting according to His sovereign plan, even when we cannot see it. From the very beginning, after the fall in the Garden of Eden, God declared that He would put enmity between the serpent and the woman, promising that the enemy’s schemes would never outmaneuver His redemptive purpose. When we are overwhelmed or confused by our circumstances, we can rest in the assurance that God’s plan is already in motion, and He is working all things for His glory and our good. [03:59]
Genesis 3:15 (ESV)
"I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel."
Reflection: What is one situation in your life right now where you feel like things are out of control? How can you trust that God already has a plan for it, even if you can’t see it yet?
Day 2: Pursuing Jesus Changes Everything
When we pursue Jesus with determination and refuse to let go, as Jacob did when he wrestled with God, we discover our true identity and experience transformation. Like the blind man who cried out to Jesus despite being told to be quiet, or Zacchaeus who ran and climbed a tree just to see Him, it is our pursuit—our hunger and desperation for Jesus—that positions us to receive His grace and see His glory revealed in our lives. Don’t let the voices of others or your own doubts keep you from pressing in; pursue Him, and everything can change. [11:28]
Luke 18:35-43 (ESV)
"As he drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. And hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what this meant. They told him, 'Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.' And he cried out, 'Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!' And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, 'Son of David, have mercy on me!' And Jesus stopped and commanded him to be brought to him. And when he came near, he asked him, 'What do you want me to do for you?' He said, 'Lord, let me recover my sight.' And Jesus said to him, 'Recover your sight; your faith has made you well.' And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God."
Reflection: What is one way you can intentionally pursue Jesus today, even if it means pushing past obstacles or the opinions of others?
Day 3: Grace Is Free, But It Will Cost You Everything
The grace of God, manifested through Jesus, is freely given and cannot be earned, but receiving it often requires us to let go of our old ways and step into the unknown. For the blind man, being healed meant losing his livelihood as a beggar and learning a new way to live; for Zacchaeus, it meant giving up ill-gotten wealth and making restitution. God’s grace is not cheap—it calls us to transformation, surrender, and sometimes sacrifice, but what we gain is far greater than what we leave behind. [19:58]
Ephesians 2:8-10 (ESV)
"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
Reflection: Is there something you sense God is asking you to surrender or change in response to His grace? What step can you take today to say “yes” to Him?
Day 4: When Jesus Shows Up, Everything Changes
Every time Jesus enters a situation—whether it’s a stormy sea, a fiery furnace, a tomb, or a broken life—He brings transformation, hope, and new beginnings. The stories of Bartimaeus, Zacchaeus, and even Lazarus remind us that Jesus is never late, never in a hurry, and always intentional; when He comes, He changes the narrative, brings life where there was death, and turns shame into honor. No matter how hopeless or stuck things may seem, when Jesus comes, everything can change in a moment. [41:25]
John 11:17, 25-26 (ESV)
"Now when Jesus came, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days... Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?'"
Reflection: Where do you need Jesus to “show up” in your life right now? Take a moment to invite Him into that place and expect Him to move.
Day 5: Grace Comes to Your House—Let Praise Be Your Response
When Jesus brings grace into our lives, our natural response should be to glorify Him and publicly declare His goodness. Just as Bartimaeus and Zacchaeus responded with praise and transformation, we are called to bless His name and let others see what He has done for us. Don’t let familiarity or routine rob you of the joy of praising God for His mercy and grace; every day is an opportunity to honor Him for the salvation, healing, and hope He has brought into your life. [21:58]
Psalm 103:1-5 (ESV)
"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s."
Reflection: What is one specific way you can publicly praise God today for the grace He has shown you?
Quotes
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Jul 20, 2025. Do you have any questions about it?